Born: 1984 Primary Instrument: Trombone
James Hall is a jazz trombonist and composer living in New York City. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, he graduated from the Lawrence Conservatory of Music in 2007. He then spent two years at the helm of James Hall Group in Vienna, Austria, earning an ASCAPlus Award for composition in 2009. During his time in Vienna, James freelanced in styles ranging from Balkan Jazz and R&B to Opera.
After his stint in Europe, James accepted a fellowship at the Trinity Forum Academy in Maryland, where he spent nine months engrossed in aesthetics, composition, and theology. The resulting project, The Serpent Speaks, was premiered at Saint Peter's Church in New York in May. James currently enjoys a busy performing schedule with various ensembles in the greater New York area.
Awards:
2009 - ASCAPlus Award for composition
2009 - 2nd Runner Up - J.J. Johnson International Jazz Trombone Competition
2008 - 3rd Prize - Antti Rissannen International Jazz Trombone Competition
2007 - Downbeat Award as member of LUJE
2006 - Honorable Mention - Carl Fontana International Jazz Trombone Competition
2002 - John Philip Sousa Award for Musical Excellence
Last Updated: November 9, 2010
James Hall possesses that rarely-occurring combination of inherent classical talent and lust-for-life exuberance. He and his well-selected musical collaborators are a pleasure to watch (and a delight to hear). James can transform an overcooked pop song into a jazzical masterpiece, or simmer a traditional standard into a musical memory.
-Ashley Fogerty, Spin Earth
Laesst keinen leicht modernistischen Wuensch offen...klingt klasse
-Sandra Rose, Jazzsängerin, Veranstalterin
charming stage presence...original and personal interpretations...abundance and freshness of tone
-Reijo Paavola, Kymen Sanomat
Olds Recording
